Socio-demographic Correlates of Obstructive Genitourinary Defects

Background:Obstructive genitourinary defects are congenital anomalies that occur when there is a narrowing or absence of a normal opening in the urinary tract. . According to CDC data, unlike various other birth defects, COGUD prevalence had an upward trend from 1996 to 2003. In severe cases, COGUD may lead to poor lung maturity due to reduced amniotic fluid, renal failure or even fetal death. Little is known about maternal, paternal or pregnancy characteristics that may be associated with COGUD.

Purpose:The aim of this study is to identify socio-demographic factors that may be associated with an increased prevalence of COGUD.

Methods: Birth and fetal death records were linked with birth defects registry data for 260,889 deliveries occurring in a 13 county area of Texas between 2000-2002. Logistic regression methods were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals for socio-demographic factors including maternal and paternal age, education, race-ethnicity, parity, area of residence, and prenatal care.

Results: The prevalence of COGUD in this population was 18 per 10,000 deliveries. Maternal age ≥ 40 was associated with an increased odds of COGUD as compared to mother 25-29 years old (adjusted OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.09, 3.45). Similarly, nulliparity and Hispanic paternal ethnicity were observed to have associations of similar magnitude.

Conclusion: Advanced maternal age, pregnancy order and Hispanic paternal ethnicity are associated with COGUD Sociodemographic correlates of COGUD is a fertile area for further epidemiological research.